The Raiders acquired center Samson Satele from the Dolphins so he could be a starter. Five months later, he's still trying to lock up a spot on the first team.

Raiders coach Tom Cabledeclared the position open as ever as Oakland prepares for Thursday's exhibition finale at Seattle. Who knew replacing former starter Jake Grove would prove so hard?

"There are things that I like and there are some things where I don't feel like he's getting it quick enough," Cable said. "There's definitely competition there."

Returning backup John Wade re-entered the race Monday after missing two weeks with a stinger. Three-year reserve Chris Morris is also in the running.

The previous knock on Satele was that he wasn't physical enough to handle the nose tackles of the AFC East. Cable said the issue here is making line calls because "in this system, the center has to run the show."

Satele admits it has been a learning curve going from Miami's power blocking to Oakland's zone-blocking scheme. His agility is considered a better fit for the ZBS, but it didn't help that he missed most the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery.

"When you don't know the offense, it's kind of hard," Satele said. "It's easier once you learn it. It's a perfect offense for what I'm good at."

That hurts: Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha visited a specialist Monday to check on a chip fracture in his left wrist.

Cable said the injury did not appear serious but there's been no decision on whether he needs simple rehab, a cast or surgery.

Briefly: Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison returned to practice, albeit limited, one week after dislocating his left elbow. He expects to play in the season opener. ... Rookie safety Mike Mitchell is close to returning after missing three weeks with a re-injured hamstring. He also hopes to play in the opener. ... The Raiders cut five players to reach the 75-man limit: wide receivers Shawn Bayes and Will Franklin, center Jonathan Compas, defensive tackle Joe Cohen and guard Marcus Johnson. ... JaMarcus Russell on Saturday's 45-7 loss to the Saints: "You know how they say you shoot yourself in the foot? I think our foot would be off by now."